It’s summertime, and the kids are on vacation! But instead of video games and YouTube, how about some fun under the sun? Don’t forget the sunscreen when you visit these outdoor parks and playgrounds, all within Metro Manila.

Dad Edmund Martinez says: “There are picnic tables. You can also sit under a tree. There’s a butterfly garden and a playground outside. There are lots of trees, and you can go and see the top of the dam.”

Entrance fee: Php40 for QC residents (with proof of residence)Php20 for Quezon City students (with valid ID)Php50 for everyone else

If your kid is too young to appreciate the Mind Museum, maybe you can bring him or her to Science-in-the-Park. The exhibits are divided into four themed pockets: Music, Math, Living and Water. Through slides, drums, bubbles and various interactive displays, families can have fun while learning about science concepts.

Entrance fee:Free for ticket holders of The Mind Museum. For others, the admission is P100

Who hasn’t spent a whole day roaming around the many exhibits? You can learn about the environment, old Manila, planet Earth, the human body, career choices and children’s rights. But most people don’t know there’s a playground outside! There’s an old helicopter that’s been upcycled and named the Tutubing Bakal Peace helicopter. Sometimes there are storytelling sessions and games here. You can even rent the venue for a party!

Mom Darlene Ramos Gan says: “I was there just this April with my daughter. We didn't go to QMC for the playground. We were there to accompany my mother-in-law to the garden supplies area. Amy was getting bored, so we went exploring. That was when we discovered the playground behind the garden stalls! Surprisingly, it was in good condition, for a public park.

"It was around noon so I was expecting it to be very hot, but it wasn't because of the canopy of trees. We didn't spend anything, because we didn't expect to find a playground there. But there were street food stalls and bike rentals.”

Who would have expected a small playground in BGC to bring back traditional Filipino games? Aside from curiously designed slides and monkey bars, there are play spaces for piko, patintero, and luksongbaka. There aren’t too many trees though, so if you’re there in the daytime, slather on the sunscreen!

Just across the street from Legaspi Active Park is the more densely-wooded Washington Sycip Park. Mom Corinna Pettyjohn says: “It has koi ponds, gazebos, a Japanese garden and some art installations. There are clean bathrooms, but you have to pay P10. Parking should be easy on weekends, as there are two parking lots nearby. And the Legazpi Market is next door on Sundays.”